Amine Harit’s return to form for Olympique de Marseille has not been enough to earn a recall to Morocco, even with several attacking players unavailable for the November double-header against Niger.

The 29-year-old has been left out of the squad for matches on 13 and 17 November, almost two years after his most recent international appearance. His omission has caused surprise in Morocco, prompting head coach Mohamed Ouahbi to address the decision three times during his press conference.

Ouahbi initially pointed to competition for places and his desire to establish new players within the squad.

“At the moment, on the right, we have players who have proved themselves with the national team or are performing well at club level, and players we want to give more continuity to,” he said.

The coach then highlighted the young players he wants to help develop, including Gessime Yassine and Ayoub Oufkir, who has received his first call-up.

“We have prioritised young players with significant potential who are already performing well,” Ouahbi added.

Ouahbi pressed on Harit’s omission

The explanation did not satisfy all the journalists at the press conference. Ouahbi was asked twice more about Harit, particularly because the Olympique de Marseille midfielder can play centrally or on the left as well as on the right.

The coach again defended his policy of renewal, saying he wanted to give several younger players opportunities in those positions. He also suggested that delaying their integration could create difficulties as Morocco approach the next Africa Cup of Nations.

That reasoning has not convinced all Morocco supporters. Harit has scored three goals and provided one assist for Olympique de Marseille in the league this season, yet he remains excluded while players with a similar profile, such as Amine Sbai, have retained Ouahbi’s confidence despite having less exposure to the highest level of European football.

Harit’s situation has therefore raised questions over whether his omission is solely a sporting and generational decision, or whether it also reflects issues of personal management and compatibility within the squad.

At 29, Harit is not approaching the end of his career. His current form, together with his experience in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and European competitions, could offer Morocco an alternative, particularly while injuries continue to affect the team.

However, Ouahbi’s repeated explanations point to a clear direction. The coach appears intent on investing in younger players and establishing them as long-term members of his project.

Unlike Youssef En-Nesyri, who was recalled after withdrawals in his position, Harit has not been brought back into contention. Unless circumstances change, the former Nantes player appears to have been overlooked for now at least while Ouahbi remains in charge.